Which Kind of 'Smart' are you?

Often in the field of education, we focus on what type of learner someone is. (Do they need many visual aids? Do they need to move around often? Or would they rather hear a lecture on tape?) However, when it comes to the job market, people often find jobs and careers in fields that aren’t suited to their personalities. Often, passion for a job will only take you so far. If your college major or new career seems ill-suited for you, it may be that you have a different type of intelligence than the field requires.

The theory of multiple intelligences has long been used to describe how we learn, but can the same be said for how we work? I think the answer is yes. I liken it to a personality-based test I took when I was deciding on a college major. Though I thought some of my results weren’t the best fit, I realize that the demands of those jobs might have been well-suited to my personality and learning style.

In this article, Ted Harro writes from the perspective of a hiring manager. I found his insight valuable and I want you to consider the ‘types of intelligence’ before embarking on a career or going in for an interview. I mentioned in last week’s blog that there are simple things you can remember to do well at an interview. Likewise, it’s a good idea to see if you’ll be a good fit for your new job. If you find you are not, it will be an uphill battle once you begin.

When I was in public relations, I would tell those younger than me that they needed to be ‘quick thinkers’ if they wanted to be successful in the field. Generally speaking, communications people must be able to respond quickly and be able to handle crises. This may not be the best fit for people who are easily stressed. By viewing this article and thinking about your strengths and weaknesses, I think you will find which careers are a great fit for you.

Have you thought about your strengths and weaknesses in terms of intelligence? Has it led you to make a great career choice? Let me know.